by Christopher Makaza.
Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs, Ezra Chadzamira has urged farmers from the province to fully utilise all irrigable land and engage in winter maize production, taking advantage of reliable water bodies across the province.
Masvingo province has vast water bodies that can be harnessed for the winter maize production. These include Siya Dam in Zaka, Bindamombe Dam in Chivi, Runde River and Tugwi-Mukosi
Addressing stakeholders during a poverty alleviation strategy meeting last week, Cde Chadzamira tasked all the seven administrative districts in the province to identify more land for winter maize production. He said this was in line with Government policy that each province should put 200 hectares of land under irrigation.
The Minister said that he was going to liaise with sugar producer Tongaat Huletts Zimbabwe (THZ), so that sugar cane farmers from the lowveld, plant at least, a hectare of maize and that, part of the land under Kilimanjaro project be put under maize production.
Speaking during the same meeting, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Deputy Minister, Lovemore Matuke revealed that National Social Security Authority (NSSA) wants to fund winter maize production in Masvingo province. He noted that the 2019-20 agricultural season was poor, hence the Ministry`s initiative to fund farmers who wish to undertake winter maize production through NSSA.
The Deputy Minister said the produce would benefit the respective districts while the surplus would be sold to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB). Cde Matuke also notified that Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare minister, Professor Paul Mavhima will on May 1, visit the province to assess the projects. The Deputy Minister tasked the districts to submit their reports on the identified land, number of registered farmers and cooperatives, and irrigation equipment needed.
Acting Provincial Crop and Livestock Officer, Aaron Muchazivepi revealed that the province had a total of 4 407ha under irrigation of which 3371ha had already been planted.
Chivi farmer, Mr Tendai Sithole commended the move by Government to fund winter maize production. He, however, urged the relevant authorities to extend the programme to other crops like soya beans.
“We salute the move by NSSA to contribute to the national cause of food security. I, however, urge the authorities and partners to spread the initiative to other parts of the country and also expand it to cover other crops like soya and sugar beans,” said Sithole.
The introduction and funding of winter maize production is a noble idea by all standards, as perennial food deficits in drought prone areas including Masvingo may easily be eradicated and will go a long way in reducing the country's huge import bill on food.
The winter maize production will also go a long way in complementing the Smart Agriculture Programme formerly known as Command Agriculture Programme in ensuring food security in the country.
